LOCAL SHOTS

The Boston Globe apparently was forced to print an apology to its readers regarding an inappropriate photo it printed, regarding the size and mechanics of QB Kevin O'Connell's ummm... tools.  Sure gave me a chuckle this morning.

• Belichick expresses confidence in Cassel during Tuesday's conference call, when a reporter asked about a possible QB switch from Cassel to O'Connell.

  “I think Matt had a good week last week, and had a good practice yesterday. Offensively, collectively, we just have to do everything a little bit better. I’m confident in all the players we put out there."

• The Herald took Belichick's answer above and headlined, "Highlights from Belichick:  A Switch to O'Connell?"  Talk about creating something out of nothing.

• Karen Guregian talks defense with Richard Seymour.

• Guregian also talks with LaMont Jordan, who's getting more comfortable with the playbook and is itching to get the ball and the running game on track.
• The Patriots need Laurence Maroney  to be that same lead back who rushed for more than 100 yards in four of the last six games (including playoffs) and gained the tough goal-line yards when called upon.  Where is he?
  
• Mike Reiss reports nutcase Raiders' owner Al Davis took a shot at the Patriots at his bizarre press conference yesterday, accusing New England of tampering with Randy Moss before acquiring him. 
• OL Mike Vrabel, the key defensive player wearing the communication device in his helmet, says that aside from a few blips it's been a positive change.
• Bill Belichick spoke to more than 100 local children yesterday about the new Universal film, "The Express," based on the story of Ernie Davis who was the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy.  Belichick received high-fives as the kids exited the theater.
  

• Eric McHugh talks about the Patriots needing to fix a lot of things coming off the Bye, and mentions the need to put pressure on opposing QBs.

• Rich Garven focuses on what's been working for the Patriots - Ellis Hobbs, the wedge blockers, and the kickoff return game.

• Chris Gasper details a bit more about the cast seen on Jerod Mayo's wrist.

• Everybody's a critic, and apparently they all email Mike Reiss.  This week Reiss answers questions mostly about quarterbacks and coaching concerns.

• Ask PFW received its share of questions from frustrated fans who haven't quite been sold on the idea that Matt Cassel is the Patriots' best option.  Surprisingly, Brady takes a few hits as well.

FOCUS ON THE 49ERS

• The Patriots team website offers all you ever wanted to know about the upcoming game, including broadcast info, series history, and other Pats-Niners connections.
• Who are those guys?  Glen Farley gives us a quick study on the 49ers.
• Chris Price says the Patriots should be familiar with a Martz-led offense.
• Mike McDermott compares O'Sullivan versus Cassel.
• Douglas Flynn reports on Niners QB J.T. O'Sullivan.
• The San Fransisco Chronicle reports that Niners' HC Mike Nolan admits to a lack of depth in the O-Line.  Good luck trying "to hold off a couple of sack-happy linebackers - Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas" - on Sunday.
• ProFootball Weekly gives their overview of Sunday's matchup.

SHOTS FROM AFAR

• Michael Silver admits, you don't know what you've got till it's gone. The Patriots of 2007, the group that put together the most dominant regular season in NFL history, have been missed.
• Even Gregg Easterbrook (gasp), in his own special way, moans about the NFL today without the Powerhouse undefeated Patriots of 2007.
• How much do we love the Krafts?  The Fifth Down Blog of the NY Times discusses Raiders' owner Al Davis and the whole mess in Oakland.